WA COVID review released
A review of Western Australia's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has pointed out areas for improvement.
The comprehensive report, consisting of 35 recommendations, has been lauded by experts and government officials as a guidebook for future pandemics.
Commending the state's resilience and collaborative efforts, the review highlighted the remarkable unity across government, businesses, and communities in safeguarding public health.
WA Premier Roger Cook stressed the importance of learning from the recommendations, as they are vital for bolstering the state's pandemic preparedness for any future outbreaks.
The review, led by former Liberal Health Minister John Day, along with Margaret Seares and Michael Schaper, emphasised the necessity of broader collaboration in facing such crises.
The report underscored the significance of clear communication and timely engagement with entities outside the government, including businesses and community organisations.
Among the key improvements proposed was the establishment of a comprehensive vaccination campaign to combat misinformation, fostering greater vaccine acceptance and countering the decline in childhood vaccinations due to misinformation.
The report also examined the contentious topic of border closures, acknowledging their success in curbing infections but highlighting the challenges faced by individuals and sectors such as businesses and universities.
It recommended that future government decisions should balance health, economic, and social outcomes when considering such measures.
Regarding economic support, the review acknowledged the government's initiatives to assist businesses during the pandemic but suggested the need for streamlining and improving the grants programs.
Inconsistencies and lack of coordination were identified as hurdles that could be addressed to enhance the efficiency of future support measures.